18 Delicious Leftover Bread Recipes Every Home Chef Should Try

18 Delicious Leftover Bread Recipes Every Home Chef Should Try

Are you tired of throwing away stale bread or letting it go to waste? Think again! With a little creativity, you can transform leftover bread into a plethora of delicious dishes that will impress your family and friends. From sweet treats to savory meals, we’ve got 18 mouth-watering recipes that will make the most of your leftover bread.

From classic French toast with cinnamon and maple syrup to crispy bread crumbs for seasoning, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast solution or an easy dinner option, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll explore the many uses of leftover bread, from baking to frying, and show you how to turn it into everything from comforting strata to decadent puddings. So go ahead, get creative, and give new life to that old loaf!

Classic French Toast with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup

Start your day off right with this sweet and satisfying breakfast treat. Moist bread, crispy on the outside and fluffy within, is infused with the warmth of cinnamon and drizzled with pure maple syrup.

Ingredients:

– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Pure maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with melted butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, if desired.

Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes total

Homemade Croutons for Salads and Soups

Elevate your salads and soups with freshly baked croutons that add a satisfying crunch and flavor. This simple recipe yields a batch of crispy, flavorful bites perfect for topping your favorite dishes.

Ingredients:

– 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: garlic powder, dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), or grated cheese for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, toss baguette cubes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. If desired, add garlic powder, dried herbs, or grated cheese and mix well.
4. Spread the crouton mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Bread and Butter Pudding with Raisins

A classic British dessert, this bread and butter pudding is a delicious way to use up stale bread and adds sweetness from the raisins. Perfect for a cozy evening treat or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup golden raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and milk.
3. Add the bread cubes and stir until they are evenly coated with the egg mixture.
4. Fold in the raisins.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Crispy Bread Crumbs for Seasoning

Transform your favorite dishes with a flavorful crunch using this simple recipe for crispy bread crumbs. Perfect for adding texture and taste to salads, pasta, or as a topping for soups.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a food processor or blender, process the bread cubes until they resemble coarse crumbs.
3. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and add Parmesan cheese (if using). Toss to combine.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the crumb mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Spread the crumbs on a baking sheet in an even layer.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown, stirring halfway through.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Garlic Breadsticks with Parmesan Cheese

This recipe yields crispy, savory breadsticks infused with the flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese. Perfect as a snack or accompaniment to your favorite soups or salads.

Ingredients:

– 1 package active dry yeast
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add olive oil, salt, garlic, and 1 cup of flour to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough into long, thin strips (about 1/2 inch thick).
6. Brush tops with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Savory Bread Strata with Bacon and Cheese

A classic breakfast or brunch dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This savory strata is perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

– 6 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked bacon, and cheese mixture. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and toss until the bread is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Pan con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread)

Pan con Tomate is a classic Spanish snack that’s perfect for any time of day. This recipe combines the warmth of toasted bread with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes, all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 slices of rustic bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 2 large, ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick rounds and toast until lightly browned.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the tomato pieces, olive oil, and salt.
4. Spread a few pieces of tomato mixture onto each toasted bread slice.
5. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Bread and Mushroom Stuffing for Roast Chicken

Elevate your roast chicken game with this savory bread and mushroom stuffing recipe! This hearty filling is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:
• 1 loaf of stale bread, torn into small pieces
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in melted butter until tender.
3. Add bread, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Toss until well combined.
4. Stuff the roast chicken cavity with the bread mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Cooking Time:
Roast chicken: 45-50 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Adjust cooking time according to chicken size.

Sweet Bread Fritters with Vanilla Custard

Sweet Bread Fritters with Vanilla Custard Recipe

Summary: This sweet treat combines crispy fritters with a creamy vanilla custard, perfect for a dessert or snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup sweet bread crumbs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Vanilla Custard (recipe below)

Vanilla Custard:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together sweet bread crumbs, milk, sugar, and egg until well combined.
2. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the sweet bread mixture into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Fry fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain fritters on paper towels and serve warm with Vanilla Custard.

Cooking Time: Fritters take about 6-8 minutes to cook in total. Vanilla Custard takes about 10-12 minutes to cook.

Bread Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

A simple and satisfying twist on traditional pizza, this bread pizza is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you’ll be enjoying a delicious homemade treat in no time.

Ingredients:

– 1 baguette
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.
3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Bread Dumplings in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A hearty and comforting dish perfect for a chilly evening or as a side to your favorite meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup lukewarm water
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and salt.
2. Gradually add lukewarm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Cut into small pieces and shape into dumplings.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook dumplings for 10-12 minutes or until they float to the surface.
5. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until tender.
6. Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
7. Serve warm bread dumplings with creamy mushroom sauce and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Leftover Bread and Apple Crumble

This recipe is perfect for using up stale bread and excess apples, creating a tasty dessert that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn yesterday’s scraps into today’s treasure!

Ingredients:

– 2 cups leftover bread, torn into small pieces
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped (any variety)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread, apple, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until well coated.
3. In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats and brown sugar.
4. Add cold butter to the oat mixture and use your fingers or a pastry blender to work it into crumbs.
5. Pour the bread-apple mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with crumb mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Cheesy Bread Bake with Spinach and Herbs

Transform plain bread into a flavorful, cheesy masterpiece with the addition of spinach and herbs. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients:

– 1 loaf of French bread (12-14 inches long)
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Arrange bread slices in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the cheese mixture (combining cheddar cheese and cooked spinach) evenly over the bread.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Bread Pakora (Indian Spiced Bread Fritters)

A popular Indian street food, Bread Pakora are crispy fried fritters made with spiced bread and onions. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making these addictive treats at home.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 slices of white bread
– 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup gram flour (chickpea flour)
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Cut the bread into small cubes and soak them in water for about 30 minutes.
2. Drain the water and squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the bread.
3. In a bowl, mix together the chopped onions, gram flour, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.
4. Add the bread to the onion mixture and mix well.
5. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
6. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the bread mixture into the oil and fry until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
7. Drain the Pakora on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite chutney or tea.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Bread and Chocolate Pudding with Caramel Drizzle

Rich and comforting, this bread and chocolate pudding is elevated to new heights with a sweet and sticky caramel drizzle. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– Caramel drizzle (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and chocolate chips.
4. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Caramel Drizzle:

1. Combine 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until caramel turns golden brown.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before drizzling over warm pudding.

Italian Ribollita Soup with Stale Bread

This classic Tuscan soup is a staple of Italian cuisine, made by simmering vegetables and bread in a flavorful broth. With its comforting warmth and satisfying texture, it’s perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Add bread, tomatoes, broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Bread Panzanella Salad with Fresh Vegetables

Elevate your salad game with this hearty, Tuscan-inspired panzanella salad, featuring crusty bread and an array of fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 2 cups cubed day-old bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/2 cup crumbled ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Toss bread with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Bake until crispy, about 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, and crumbled ricotta cheese.
4. Add the toasted bread to the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Baked Bread Custard with Nutmeg and Honey

This classic bread custard recipe gets a boost of flavor from the warmth of nutmeg and the sweetness of honey. Perfect as a snack or dessert, it’s sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 loaf of French bread (about 1 pound)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces and place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, sugar, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices.
5. Drizzle honey over the top of the bread.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the custard is set and the bread is toasted golden brown.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Summary

Turn leftover bread into delicious dishes with these 18 creative recipes. From classic French toast to savory bread strata, crispy croutons for salads and soups, and sweet bread fritters with vanilla custard, there’s something for every taste and craving. Try making homemade croutons, garlic breadsticks, or Italian ribollita soup to use up stale bread. Or get creative with bread and mushroom stuffing for roast chicken, pan con tomate (Spanish tomato bread), or even bread and apple crumble. Whatever your mood, these recipes will help you breathe new life into leftover bread.